Create a Scripture Kit

Choose Bible verses, add small relevant items and voila! you’ve put together powerful spiritual messages for a friend.

By Kathy Dillard, Marietta, Georgia

WEB EXCLUSIVE

My friend Louise Alexander was inspired by a story she read in an old issue of Guideposts magazine. The story described something called a Love Kit, a collection of seven items with a Bible verse accompanying each one, a reminder of all the ways God provides for us.

Louise did her own Bible research and came up with more than 50 other items to add to what she calls her Scripture Kit. There’s an eraser “to remind you that every day you can start over with a clean slate. (Jeremiah 31:34)”; a tea bag so you’ll remember to “relax daily and be thankful for your blessings. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)”; a candle and the recommendation to “share your light with others. (Psalms 18:28).”

Other items she includes are:

A pencil “to remind you to list your blessings every day. (Ephesians 1:3)”
A band-aid “for healing hurt feelings–yours or someone else’s. (Psalm 147:3)”
A rainbow sticker “to reassure you that God keeps his promises. (Genesis 9:12-15)”
The image of a flower and the promise that “with God’s help you can bloom where you’re planted. (Isaiah 58:11)”
A stick of chewing gum “to remind you that if you stick with it you can accomplish anything. (Philippians 4:13)”

She’s been gathering ideas and sharing these kits for nearly 30 years. In that time, Louise has given away over 400 of her kits. She mails most and hand delivers others. Anyone can be a recipient—friends, family, people on the church prayer list, whoever needs an encouraging reminder of all the promises in Scripture.

And as Louise has found, there are many!

Read Louise's account of how her Scripture Love Kits project has grown, and download a list of the verses she uses.

Your Comments (54)

Mary Kay Arnold on Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 5:03 pm

I was enthralled with the idea of the Love Kit and would like a list of the 50 verses and accompanying items. Your magazine I send to shut ins and enjoy reading them myself.

bleveridge on Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 5:27 pm

Mary Kay, follow the link in the story above. You'll be able to download the list you're looking for at the end of that story.

bleveridge on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at 2:09 pm

Okay, folks -- you asked for it, you got it. Louise has shared with us her list of verses and the items and illustrations that accompany them on the cards she includes in her kits. The information is in the form of a PDF file and you can download it here: http://www.guideposts.org/inspirational-stories/inspiring-others-with-sc...

Martha Redeker on Monday, April 16, 2012 at 12:35 pm

I, too, would like to get a copy of more of the Bible verses to use with these simple, everyday items. I am familiar with many of the items to use, but do not have accopanyint verses. Thank you.

Daisy Long on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 1:46 pm

Such a great idea. I too would like the list for the scripture kits. I do read the Bible but my imagination doesn't produce the inspiration for the items,

Judy Chistensen on Saturday, April 7, 2012 at 11:25 am

You have such an inspiring magzine Guideposts. I would love to have this INSPIRATION LOVE KIT. MY daughter an i our in need of one. Bless you all at Guideposts. Judy Christensen

Cindy Cormier on Thursday, April 5, 2012 at 8:00 am

Is is possible to get the contact information on how to obtain the copies of the scriptures and accompanying items in the love kit? One of my longterm employees is relocating at the end of May and this would be a wonderful addition to her send-off party.

Thanks.

bleveridge on Thursday, April 5, 2012 at 3:08 pm

Folks, as was explained earlier on this page, we're working with Louise to put together more info about the scripture kits. We ask for your patience while those efforts continue. In the meantime, you could always create your own list of inspiring verses (and accompanying items) -- that's what Louise did, after all. Surely the more personal a gift like this is, the more it is appreciated. But for those who prefer to refer to Louise's list, we'll get that info to you just as soon as we can. Thanks.

Rhonda J. Calcutt on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at 10:32 am

I too would like to get a copy of the scriptures used in the Love Kits. I think this would be a great gift idea for sooooo many occasions. Such a wonderful, loving idea...

thank you on Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 11:09 pm

I would also like to receive a copy of these verses...these are the blessings that are so easy to pass on. Thank you.

Audrey Johnson on Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 10:41 pm

Would you please send me the 50 Verse and item list? I would like to include some of them in my Easter baskets to my family.

Evelyn Perkins on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 2:18 am

I, too, was given a scripture kit at one time but can`t find it. I carried it in my purse. I would love to have the list of items and scriptures! Thank you.

Marcia S. on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 4:42 pm

I, too, would love to obtain the other items and verses that could be used to make up a "Love Kit". Please share with us....

pat mobley on Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 10:17 am

I also would like the list of scriptures and corresponding items to place in the kit. I'm mostly interested in the original 7.

Pam Hall on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 5:55 pm

My mom has been the recipient of one of Louise's baskets!!! What an uplifting, encouraging gesture!! Louise and I taught together for years, and I remember her putting these together. I can assure you that she received more pleasure from this than the recipients! When my mom got hers, I knew then the power of this ministry!!!!

Barbara Gibson on Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 11:49 am

Dear Pam, since you are a friend of Louise's, perhaps you could obtain a copy of her Spiritual list for me. I REALLY would love to do something like this but more than likely could never come up with just the right things. Please help me if you can. Thank you. and have a blessed day. Barbara Gibson

V.J. Vereeke on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 3:41 pm

I'd love to get a list of the scriptures and items in the Scripture Kit. I have a friend who could really use one.

Jean Sackett on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 3:12 pm

Love the "Love Kit" idea. Would appreciate greatly if you would list the fifty-some Bible verses we could download on the internet, to implement this outreach for our "Women of
Worth group.

Thanks, Jean

jane childress on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at 8:58 am

I would like a copy of the Love kit list when you get it.
janechildress@insightbb.com thanks

linda shotwell on Monday, March 19, 2012 at 2:46 pm

I love your idea. I. Would love more of these thannk you

Diane Young on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 5:56 pm

I would love to have a copy of the Love Kit verses. Please let me know when they are available. What a blessing they would be if we could all encourage others with these kits.

Louise Alexander on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 6:04 pm

I am truly amazed at the response to the article about my Scripture Kits. It has been a blessing to me over the years to make these kits and to send them, but now to see the response and the words that people have said about them is a bigger blessing to me. I am in awe. I am compiling the list of the items with the scriptures to send to Guideposts. Actually there are 71 items and I have now given away 512. I have kept a list of the people that I have sent them. May God bless you as he has blessed me.

Sharon Murphy on Monday, March 19, 2012 at 11:38 am

When Ms Alexander sends the list to Guideposts, I would love to have a copy. It is very inspiring.

Mary King on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 11:32 am

I would also love to have a list of scripture-love kit saying. What a wonderful idea! You are truely inspiring Louise Alexander!

LauryL on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 12:39 pm

Love it! My Mom and Dad sent me scriptures like this through my college years. I have saved many of them. When you do put together a list, I would love to have it sent to me too! Thanks for sharing....

bleveridge on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 10:58 am

Thanks, Louise -- we'll look forward to sharing that list with our readers when we receive it. We very much appreciate your efforts.

G. Allen on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 3:23 pm

I would like a list when one is available...

Cindy Carlson on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 6:31 am

I too would like a list when one becomes available. I am always looking for more ideas to encourage people.

bleveridge on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at 5:28 pm

Hi everyone. We don't currently have a list of scriptures and doo-dads to share with you. We'll see if something be arranged so that we can share that info with you, but remember, as Kathy wrote in her story, "Louise did her own Bible research and came up with more than 50 other items to add to what she calls her Scripture Kit." So there's no need to wait while we try to get this info -- you're encouraged to do as Louise did, and come up with your own list of inspiring verses and accompanying doo-dads. It'll make it that much more special for the recipients of your kits to know the verses are ones that are important to you!

Twila Garber on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at 12:59 pm

I would also like the list of Bible verses for the Scripture Kit. How do I get it?

Carolyn Hoskins on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 8:58 pm

I would love a scripture item list to make the Love Kits. How do I get one? Such a great idea! Thanks

Carolyn Primrose on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 4:50 pm

This is the best ! I would love to receive a list of the
scriptures and items for the "LOVE KIT." I need to send
one as soon as possible so I will be looking forward to
getting your reply ! God Bless !
Carolyn

Nancy Beggs on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 3:54 pm

I also use scripture and items to give to people. I call them Encouragement Gift Bags. I would love to have some more ideas. If it is possible please email me the 50 verse and item list. If I have some verses and items that aren't on the list I would love to share them with Ms Alexander. It is such a blessing to hear about those who are being used by God, to spread His love and care, in Guideposts stories every month. Thank you, Kathy, for sharing Louise Alexander's vision and ministry outreach. I look forward to hearing soon. Nancy Beggs, Idyllwild, CA

Pschuler on Monday, March 5, 2012 at 7:09 pm

What a great idea for encouraging others in these tough times that all of us are experiencing. Please send me the lists for the kits. Thank you.

RebeccaM on Monday, March 5, 2012 at 4:45 pm

Rats, I was hoping this link would list the other 50 ideas Louise had come up with.

Marie Malone on Monday, March 5, 2012 at 11:06 am

Please forward the link to more items and verses in the Love Kit which I read about in the March 2012 Guideposts. This is a great idea for shut-ins, hospice patients, friends, neighbors. Thanks

Marilyn M on Friday, March 2, 2012 at 7:34 pm

I,too, would like to recieve a copy of the entire list of items and Bible verses. Will it be made available?

Ellen Wisdom on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 9:53 am

I would like to receive a list of the scriptures and items for the Love Kit.
Thank you and have a blessed day,
Ellen Wisdom

Jo Anne Orihood on Thursday, March 1, 2012 at 12:50 pm

I would love to have a copy of your scriptures and items included in your scripture kit. I make items for our local hospice facility and am always looking for short meaningful messages for the patients and families.

Sybil Strain on Monday, March 5, 2012 at 10:28 am

I would love to have a copy of the scriptures and items included in the kit - what a beautiful idea. Would like to use it for our Women's group in our church.

Thanks for giving us a wonderful magazine each month. I usually read it in one sitting - and going back often to reread.

Deborah Koltes Plett on Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 2:53 pm

I am touched by this amazing outreach. I would like
to receive one of these kits. I have gone through
Many rings in the past (41/2 yrs. not to mention my life.
If there is any way I could receive one please reply via
e-mail and I will give you my address.
God Bless you
Deborah Koltes Plett

Freida Michael on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 1:19 pm

I work with the caregivers with alzheimers patients and they need hope. faith and strength to help them. I need Bible verses and objects to go together to give them courage and strength. any ideas?

Annette Queck on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 11:01 pm

the scripture kits are such a wonderful idea. I would really like to make an impact on our community with these gifts of prayer and praise. Does Mrs. Alexander have her ideas in print? At this point, I do not have the time to get creative. If available, I would love to purchase a book of her ideas or even just a quick note with some of her successful gift ideas. The Lord has given Mrs. Alexander a true gift!

Emmie on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 7:32 pm

thanks

Carrie Maloney on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 7:06 pm

Is there a way I could get in touch with Marion Bond West? Either snail mail or e-mail????

Carrie Maloney carriemaloney@yahoo.com
607-284-4007
thank you!!!

bleveridge on Friday, February 24, 2012 at 3:36 pm

Carrie, you can write to her care of Guideposts, and we'll forward it to her. Marion Bond West c/o Guideposts 16 East 34th Street, 21st Floor New York, NY 10016

bleveridge on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 5:56 pm

Emmie, the link is above, in the first paragraph of the story. Just click on "a story she read".

Jean Krutel on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 5:19 pm

I am so happy to see this idea take off. I read the original article years ago and have been sending kits ever since. Sometimes I will send one package of several verses/items, but I have also send one/verse item at a time in a series of cards over a period of time to the ill and to shut-ins. I have been truly amazed at how much such a small gesture has meant to so many.

Ann Barich on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 4:02 pm

I love the idea of scripture kits! Please pass along the list including all of the authors ideas! I can't wait to share it with the women at my church & with my friends! Please follow up on this! I think this would be great for shut-ins & the sick & depressed & the list goes on! Thank you! God bless you & your staff & the great work you do! I love your magazine! I get it every year as a gift from a dear friend. Blessings,
Ann Barich

ann hampton on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 2:03 pm

I am very inspired about doing an outreach project for our church after reading this article about the scripture kits. However, I would also like to read the original article regarding the love kits..that Guideposts has printed awhile ago, if possible. Also I would like to know if I could have an e-mail address of the author of the above article, Kathy Dillard from Georgia and possibly a way to get in touch with the woman who started the love kits, only so that maybe we could share more info and outreach possibilities! Thank you Ann Hampton.